After Duan Ling Tian returned to his seat, Tang San Pao shifted his gaze away from Yu Dong Fang and said to Duan Ling Tian, “Yu Dong Fang seems to have a grudge against you…”
Duan Ling Tian only nodded faintly in response. He was not worried about Yu Dong Fang as well. Previously, he had heard from Tang San Pao that although Yu Dong Fang had only shown the strength of a Four Star God of War, it was likely that Yu Dong Fang already possessed the strength of a Five Star God of War. In his opinion, Yu Dong Fang was only as strong as a top Five Star God of War at most. Even if Yu Dong Fang had progressed significantly over the past years, It was almost impossible for Yu Dong Fang to possess the strength of a Six Star God of War.
In Duan Ling Tian’s opinion, his most difficult opponent should be among those representing the Title Temple even if he had yet to determine which one exactly. There were a few participants cultivated by the Title Temple among those who advanced to the fifth round of the Devata Realms’ Battle of the Geniuses. So that person should be among that small group of people.
‘Among those in the fifth round, the Title Temple’s ace should have the highest chances of possessing the strength of a Six Star God of War. The Exploding Element Celestial Fruit must have been reserved for him. Otherwise, the Title Temple would not have put that fruit up as a reward,’ Duan Ling Tian thought to himself. This was Feng Qing Yang’s speculation, and Duan Ling Tian agreed with his master.
…
As time passed, Tang San Pao and Su Li were also selected to fight. They easily secured their victories since their opponents only possessed the strength of a Three Star God of War.
At this moment, Tang San Pao’s eyes shone brightly as he asked, “Ling Jue Yun, you should be as strong as a Five Star God of War, right?”
As usual, Ling Jue Yun only remained silent.
Up until now, among these four men, only Duan Ling Tian and Tang San Pao had displayed strength comparable to a Five Star God of War. Ling Jue Yun and Su Li had only revealed the strength of a Four Star God of War up until now.
Since Su Li had just broken through recently during one of his matches, no one doubted that the extent of his strength was only that of a Four Star God of War.
On the contrary, many people were certain Ling Jue Yun was still hiding his strength. Based on his attacks, they thought it was likely that he was as strong as a Five Star God of War.
…
Soon after, the second bout of the fifth round was about to start.
Xu Kong Hai said, “The Title Temple will also arrange the matches for the second bout of the fifth round of the Battle of the Geniuses. The 50 participants who won their matches during the first bout will be divided into two groups of 25 participants and compete against each other.”
Following that, ten names appeared in the sky again for the first five matches.
“So fast?”
“Don’t they need to think before they assign the participants to fight?”
“I’m sure they’ve already discussed this beforehand. They must have correctly guessed the 50 participants who advanced to the second bout of the fifth round.”
“I agree.”
Xu Kong Hai continued to say, “The 25 winners of the second bout will temporarily advance while the remaining 25 participants will compete against each other to determine the strongest five during the third bout… For the fourth bout, the 30 winning participants will be challenged by the remaining 70 participants who lost in the first three bouts. Each of the 70 participants will have three chances to challenge.”
Many of the young geniuses were eagerly waiting for the second bout of the fifth round of the Devata Realms’ Battle of the Geniuses to start.
“I’m afraid many of the participants won’t be able to conceal their strength any longer…”
Those whose strength had been exposed would definitely be assigned to weaker opponents with strength comparable to a Three Star God of War. Meanwhile, those with strength, both confirmed and speculated, of a Four Star God of War would be pitted against each other. There was no doubt during this time, many people will be forced to reveal their hidden strength.
…
Tang San Pao said with a smile, “Su Li, you’re up!”
Su Li’s opponent was from the Title Temple. His name was Huang Yuan and possessed the strength of a Four Star God of War. He was a stern-faced young man who was dressed in a long grey robe. When Su Li entered the battle ring, he said indifferently, “Su Li, you’re no match for me…”
Su Li replied without any changes in his expression, “We’ll see about that…”
“Alright, let’s start then.” Huang Yuan nodded.
…
At the same time, Duan Ling Tian’s brows were furrowed as he looked at Su Li and Huang Yuan in the battle ring. Huang Yuan was one of those whom he suspected to be the Title Temple’s ace.
During Huang Yuan’s previous matches, he had always fought with ease. His strength remained a mystery until now.
Duan Ling Tian had a feeling that Huang Yuan was definitely stronger than a Four Star God of War.
It did not take long before Duan Ling Tian’s suspicion was confirmed when Huang yuan defeated Su Li with less than ten moves.
Zhang Tian You said in a grave tone, “Su Li lost! Huang Yuan should be as strong as a top Four Star God of War. After all, Su Lli who had recently broken through and possesses the strength of a Four Star God of War isn’t a match for him.”
When Su Li returned to his seat, he did not look disappointed at all. It was as though he did not care that he had lost.
“How was he?” Duan Ling Tian asked Su Li.
Zhang Tian You, Wang Ting, and He Jian were curious about Su Li’s answer as well.
“Very strong.” Su Li’s expression turned slightly grim. “I have a feeling he’s still hiding his strength.”
Zhang Tian You, Wang Tian, and He Jian were shocked by these words.
“What?!”
“He’s already revealed strength comparable to a top Four Star God of War, but you’re saying he still has more to this strength?”
“So he’s likely as strong as a Five Star God of War?”
Although the trio was shocked, they did not doubt Su Li’s words at all.
…
Meanwhile, the other young geniuses were discussing Su Li’s defeat.
“Su Li did very well considering his age. He’s definitely made a name for himself during the competition.”
“That’s right. Huang Yuan wouldn’t be a match for Su Li at Su Li’s age…”
“Su Li can only blame himself for being born 200 to 300 years earlier…”
Su Li’s loss did not diminish the respect the others had for him. Perhaps, he was the only one who was still highly respected even after suffering a defeat.
…
The other four matches that were going on simultaneously with Su Li’s match quickly ended as well. Among the four matches, one participant revealed the strength of a Five Star God of war.
“It’s Zhou Yong Qi, the true disciple of the Heavenly Emperor of the Equally Prosperous Heaven!”
“He’s actually as strong as a Five Star God of War?!”
“Previously, Heavenly Emperor Zhou Bing Wu was completely suppressed by Heavenly Emperor Feng Qing Yang when he tried to defend the Heavenly Emperor of the Luo River Heaven. Wouldn’t it be exciting if Zhou Yong Qi is pitted against Duan Ling Tian in a match?”
“I heard Zhou Yong Qi was an orphan adopted by Heavenly Emperor Zhou Bing Wu. He treats Heavenly Emperor Zhou Bing Wu as his father. I’m sure he must be furious that Feng Qing Yang humiliated Heavenly Emperor Zhou Bing Wu. He’ll surely vent his anger on Duan Ling Tian if they were matched…”
“I would be the same if I were in his position. This is a good chance for him to seek revenge after all. Even if he kills Duan Ling Tian, Heavenly Emperor Feng Qing Yang won’t be able to do anything since it’s within the rules of the Battle of the Geniuses.”
Many people’s attention shifted to Duan Ling Tian when it was revealed that Zhou Yong Qi was as strong as a Five Star God of War.
Zhou Yong Qi glanced at Duan Ling Tian as well amidst the discussion in the surroundings.
Despite the indifferent expression on Zhou Yong Qi’s face, Duan Ling Tian could see coldness flashing in Zhou Yong Qi’s eyes. Needless to say, he could not care less. He was not even afraid of the ace from the Title Temple who was likely as strong as a Six Star God of War, why would he be afraid of Zhou Yong Qi.
…
Following that, ten participants’ names appeared again for the next five matches.
“It’s Ling Jue Yun again!”
Ling Jue Yun’s opponent, coincidental or not, was also one of the participants from the Title Temple whom Duan Ling Tian speculated to be as strong as a Six Star God of War even if he had only shown the strength of a Four Star God of War. His name was Liu Kong Yu.
Despite his average appearance and average build, Liu Kong Yu’s grey hair was rather conspicuous.
Since Liu Kong Yu had easily defeated his opponents previously, many people suspected he was concealing his strength as well.
“Both Ling Jue Yun and Liu Kong Yu are definitely hiding their strength. I just wonder which of them is stronger…”
“Based on the strength they’ve shown so far, Ling Jue Yun is slightly stronger.”
“If Liu Kong Yu isn’t as strong as a Five Star God of War, he won’t be a match for Ling Jue Yun.”
…
In the battle ring.
Ling Jue Yun and Liu Kong Yu faced each other. Their match was the most highly-anticipated one so far.
